Historic Victory for Indian Chess at the 2024 Chess Olympiad
Date: September 22, 2024
The 22nd of September 2024 marked a monumental day in the history of Indian chess, with both the men’s and women’s teams achieving unprecedented success at the 45th Chess Olympiad. This year’s championship concluded with India claiming gold in both categories, a feat that has never been accomplished before in this prestigious competition.
Men’s Team Triumphs Against Slovenia
The Indian men’s team showcased an exceptional performance in the finals, defeating Slovenia in a decisive 3-0 victory. Grandmasters D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigesi, and R. Praggnanandhaa each secured wins in their respective matches, contributing to India’s remarkable achievement.
Gukesh, the World Championship Challenger, demonstrated his remarkable skills in a tough match against Vladimir Fedoseev, using strategic acumen to ultimately claim victory with the black pieces. Meanwhile, Erigesi also delivered an impressive performance on the third board, overcoming Jan Subelj with black pieces.
Completing the team’s success, Praggnanandhaa showcased his talent by defeating Anton Demchenko, thereby sealing India’s win. The final tally saw the Indian men’s team amassing an impressive 21 out of a possible 22 points throughout the tournament, with their only draw occurring against Uzbekistan.
Historic Achievement for the Women’s Team
In a parallel display of excellence, the Indian women’s team secured their gold medal by triumphing 3.5-0.5 against Azerbaijan in the finals. D. Harika exhibited her technical prowess on the first board, while Divya Deshmukh secured her own individual gold on the third board, dominating her opponent.
The team’s success was consolidated when Vantika Agrawal clinched a brilliant victory after R. Vaishali’s match ended in a draw. This remarkable performance led the Indian women’s team to significant glory in Budapest, culminating in a historic win in the Open Event title at the 45th Chess Olympiad.
Performance Highlights
| Player | Matches Played | Points Scored | Individual Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Gukesh | 10 | 9 | Star performer in men’s team |
| Arjun Erigesi | 11 | 10 | Key contributor in final matches |
| R. Praggnanandhaa | 11 | Perfect in final round | Catalyst for team victory |
| D. Harika | N/A | N/A | Strong performance on first board |
| Divya Deshmukh | N/A | N/A | Individual gold medalist |
| Vantika Agrawal | N/A | N/A | Crucial victory in finals |
Previous Performances and Future Outlook
The Indian men’s team had previously secured bronze medals in the 2014 and 2022 editions, while the women’s team clinched bronze in 2022 as well, held in Chennai. This victory not only represents a significant milestone but also sets a promising foundation for the future of Indian chess on the global stage.
The performances exhibited by players like Divya Deshmukh, who earned 9.5 points out of 11, and the solid contributions from key players in the men’s team signal a bright future filled with potential as they look to build upon this historic achievement.
